by Sam Ledel
“Stop!” Aurelia shrank from the table. She covered her ears to block out the sickening gush her brother’s body made with each new stab. Blood pooled along every inch of his torso, turning his tunic a shocking red.
“Stop! Brennus, please stop!”
“Wake up, child!”
Thrashing, Aurelia nearly bowled over Eegit, who stood over her in the dark veil of the Wood at night. She sat up, soaked in sweat, parts of her tunic clinging to her chest and back. Slowly, her eyes adjusted to the bright moon overhead, the smell of charred embers in the fire, and the warm body of Coran sleeping next to her.
“I’m sorry,” she finally said, taking a drink from the flask Eegit handed her. “I was dreaming.” She shook her head, forcing the lingering image of her brother’s death from her mind.
Eegit grunted, then plopped next to the dull fire. After adding what looked to be the remnants of their dinner into the flames, she said, “Dreams are the only time the dead can visit us. Best not to be picky.”
Deciding not to divulge the horrifying details of her nightmare, Aurelia said, “He’s the only person I’ve ever lost.”
Eegit, looking as if she’d already lost interest in their conversation, concentrated on a formation of stones laid out in a semicircle on the grass between them. Sitting cross-legged, she switched one stone out for another, repeating the process several times while Aurelia’s heart calmed its beating.
“What are you doing?”
“Runes.”
“My mother always said runes was an outdated art…a scheme of nonsensical conjuring brought about by too many steam baths and an overactive imagination.”
Eegit’s hand froze over her handiwork. She lifted her gaze. “Your mother’s not the first Diarmaid to ever say such a thing.”
Biting her lip, Aurelia stammered, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…” She sighed. “I don’t agree with my mother, if that’s what you’re wondering. Actually, in the last six months, I’ve learned that my mother—and my father, for that matter—are capable of more lying than I thought possible.” She grabbed a branch and poked dejectedly at the fire.
A loud guffaw fell out of Eegit’s mouth, making Aurelia jump and Coran moan from where he slept.
“Parents lie more to their children than anybody else in this world.”
Aurelia propped her chin in her upturned palm. Her gaze drifted to Jastyn sleeping on the other side of Coran. She lay with one arm beneath her head while the other reached out from her chest as if she was stretching it across something or someone. Aurelia imagined herself beneath Jastyn’s arm, tucked close against her strong body.
Eegit whistled low.
Aurelia turned. “What?”
“It appears I owe a fairy twelve rabbit’s feet.”
Jastyn groaned, and her outstretched hand twitched, her previously calm face falling to a scowl.
Eegit spoke quietly. “She’s had them for years.” Aurelia studied Eegit, who had returned to her stone reading. “For the last thirteen years, Jastyn hasn’t slept well. Not for more than a couple of weeks at a time, anyway.” Eegit glanced up, and Aurelia was surprised to see a look of admiration in the old woman’s eyes. “She came to me for food, at first. She was smaller than she is now, if you can believe that. Little scrap of a thing.”
Aurelia’s heart sank. “She was starving?”
Eegit’s lips stuck out in a pout. “Her mother is Branna Cipher. Originally Branna Rhinehart. Now wife of Elisedd Eidhin of Marcra. Twenty-two years ago, Jastyn’s mother was banished to the outskirts of the kingdom—your kingdom.”
Holding up a hand, Aurelia said, “I don’t need to hear this.” Fear replaced the ache in her heart at the image of a young Jastyn, hungry and dirty and living with nothing. Now, Aurelia had a feeling she knew where Eegit was going with this. She knew her family’s beliefs, the beliefs that had dictated the land for centuries. She couldn’t bear to think that her family had been responsible for Jastyn’s lot in life.
“Jastyn Cipher is the daughter of a woman who broke the laws. The laws upheld by the Diarmaid family. Jastyn Cipher has fought harder than anyone for nothing more than a place in this world. Her journey has not been easy, and what comes next will be even more difficult.”
“I never meant—”
Eegit cut her off when she stood swiftly, her stones scattering like mice. Aurelia’s throat pinched closed as she cowered beneath her.
“She does not trust easily. She does not understand it. Be ready to forgive her.”
“Forgive her? I don’t—”
From where she slept, Jastyn cried out, one of her legs kicking against an unseen force. Aurelia leaned over, laying one hand on her shoulder to calm her.
When she looked back to where Eegit had been, she was gone.
“It’s all right, I’m here. You’re safe.”
Jastyn’s breathing was too quick, and Aurelia kept her hands on her shoulders while Jastyn regained her composure. Aurelia hadn’t recognized the look in Jastyn’s eyes when she woke; she seemed completely dazed. Aurelia continued to soothe her until Jastyn’s breathing matched her own. A wave of relief washed over her when Jastyn met her gaze, a sheepish smile stretching across her face.
“Are you all right?” Aurelia asked, suddenly aware of her hands gripping Jastyn’s shoulders and the way her chest rose and fell with each breath.
Still smiling, Jastyn reached out and poked Aurelia below her collarbone. “You’re real?”
“Ouch.” Rubbing the spot dramatically, Aurelia scooted back. “I am perfectly real, thank you very much.”
Jastyn blinked a few times. “I was afraid…” Seeming to remember who she was talking to, she added, “I’m sorry. I was dreaming.”
Adjusting so that she faced the fire and not the incredibly handsome way Jastyn’s jaw curved into the point of her chin, Aurelia nodded to the flickering light. “It seems to be contagious tonight.” She could feel Jastyn’s gaze on her, and Aurelia bit the inside of her cheek so hard she tasted blood.
“Where’s Eegit?”
Aurelia looked around. “She…well, she disappeared.”
Jastyn laughed. “She does that.”
“I see.”
Silence sat between them. Aurelia stoked the fire some more while Jastyn splashed her face with water from the flask. From the corner of her eye, Aurelia watched her run a wet hand down her braid, pushing stray strands of light hair from her neck. Aurelia’s heart raced when Jastyn lifted both her arms to pull her hair tighter, revealing a taut stomach.
After another minute of silence, Jastyn said, “I think the fire would appreciate a second to itself.”
Aurelia blushed, dropping the branch and pulling her shoulders back. Jastyn had one eyebrow quirked when she met her gaze. Overcome with the desire to fill the tense air between them, Aurelia asked, “Have you ever sought medicinal treatment…for your nightmares?”
Immediately, Jastyn’s smile vanished. “Who told you I have nightmares?”
Aurelia stammered. “Oh, Eegit only mentioned—”
“Eegit.” Jastyn stood, swiping grass from her pants. “I should have known. Wait till she gets back.”
“Wait,” Aurelia said, standing, too. “She didn’t mean anything. We were only talking.”
Jastyn’s sharp eyes landed on her like a bull’s-eye. “About me?”
Aurelia bit her lip.
“What did she tell you?”
What was happening? Not moments ago, Aurelia was sure she had broken through the tough exterior Jastyn wore like a shield against the world. She had caught a glimpse of the kind, thoughtful woman she knew Jastyn was. Why was she being like this?
“I have nightmares, too. It’s all right. I only thought that I could help. I know a few herbal remedies—”
Jastyn was stalking off toward the trees but spun around so fast Aurelia stumbled backward. “There are no remedies for what haunts me. Do you understand? He’s everywhere. He’s with me every day and each night I close
my eyes. It doesn’t matter where or,” her eyes turned resentful, “who I’m with. He has never stopped and never will!”
A grumble came from behind them. Coran stirred.
Aurelia lowered her voice. “I’m sorry. I was only trying to help.”
For a brief second, Jastyn looked apologetic. She reached one hand out but shook her head and turned again for the trees. When she did, the wind picked up from the opposite side of their campsite.
Coran sat up slowly, one hand rubbing his eyes. “What’s goin’ on?”
Aurelia turned to reply but froze when a sickening yellow light began to glow from the edge of the trees. The wind grew stronger, whipping the bottom of her tunic against her waist. Coran lifted an arm to shield his eyes as sticks and leaves were thrown across the clearing.
Aurelia’s stomach dropped. “Oh no.”
The yellow light exploded, sending rays of amber and a tsunami of raging winds across their campsite. The air was knocked from her lungs, and she was tossed backward, landing with a hard thud against the ground. The ripping wind berated her ears, and ringing filled her head, making it impossible to think. She looked around. The world had darkened, their fire extinguished.
“Jastyn!” she called, reaching out into the blackness. She squinted, trying to adjust to the moonlight. A dim figure crawled slowly toward her.
“Jastyn?”
“M’lady! Are you okay?”
“Coran.” Aurelia scurried across the grass on her hands and knees. “I’m fine. Where’s Jastyn?”
“Here.” Aurelia turned and felt a wash of relief at Jastyn crouched behind her. Streaks of dirt covered one side of her face, but otherwise, she looked fine. “What was that?”
The three of them huddled together, Jastyn and Coran on either side of Aurelia.
A blaze like a thousand suns sprang up from the ground. A massive crack, like the breaking of the earth itself, threatened theirs ears and shook the ground. Aurelia shielded her face, leaning into Jastyn. The light burned her skin, and the same wind left her raw.
When the light dimmed, a broad-shouldered figure stood over them. Drest held two fists of yellow spell-fire. Beneath his clear eyes, void of any and all emotion, an eerie grin opened to speak.
“My, that protection spell was terribly sweet, yet I’m afraid left unfinished. Nevertheless, I’m flattered.” He brushed off his sleeves. “Now, Aurelia dear, are you going to come with me, or will I have to tear these two apart limb by limb until you do?”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Jastyn really hated this man.
Drest’s voice was like shards of glass, setting her teeth on edge and sending an unwelcome spasm through her body. “I’m not going to ask you again, Aurelia.”
To Jastyn, Drest had looked unwell in their last encounter. Now, he resembled a fire-breather she saw once in a traveling show—after he’d caught himself on fire. His wild blond mane stuck out at odd angles, blown in the tunnel of wind that circled their clustered group like a funnel. His clothes were grimy, and his previously bulging muscles were atrophied. Jastyn wondered if it was worth it, his quest to destroy Aurelia. The toll it seemed to be taking on him was immense.
Managing to stand, Jastyn steadied her shaking legs while the earth settled its quaking. She looked around, half hoping to find Eegit lurking nearby. Leave it to my friend to take off when things get tough.
Aurelia’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “As I said before, I’m not going anywhere with you.”
The whirlwind intensified. Jastyn felt as if something had wrapped its giant hands around her lungs, making it harder to breathe the longer Drest held his spell in place. She’d never seen anyone use wind power the way he did. Wind was the hardest element to control, at least according to Eegit. Most of the kingdom mastered fire, a few were partial to water, but hardly any human had enough control and strength to conquer the ever-changing winds.
Slowly, Jastyn pulled Aurelia up with her. Coran followed suit, and they clung to one another while Drest towered over them. His spell-fire blazed, reflected in the bare whites of his eyes. His lips—poised in a sneer—parted.
“Very well.”
His right arm raised. Jastyn’s eyes were drawn downward. Her satchel was strewn on the grass four paces behind him. She had an idea. It was a long shot, but she had to try.
Aurelia said something, but Jastyn didn’t hear it. Jastyn leapt forward, tackling Drest at his waist with all of the force she could muster. His spell-fire dissipated, deadening the tunnel of wind as they careened to the ground.
“Jastyn!”
She ignored Aurelia, turning instead to Coran. “Grab my satchel. Go!”
Not hesitating, Coran took off. The element of surprise had worked, but Drest regained composure quickly. She tried to keep him pinned, one of her legs on either side of his broad torso. Looking up at her, he laughed.
“Who do you think you are?” He swung one hand in front of her like an apathetic greeting. An invisible force yanked her off him, and she flew twenty paces in the air. When she landed near the line of trees, she could hardly breathe. Her shoulder, jammed into the ground on impact, throbbed.
Groaning, she rolled onto her side. To her dismay, Aurelia was now climbing atop Drest, her fists pounding against his chest.
“I hate you! You loathsome, vile, bigoted—”
Aurelia couldn’t finish her sentence before she, too, was flung from Drest, soaring in the air until she fell next to their fire pit, her legs skidding across the smoking embers.
It required nearly all of Jastyn’s willpower not to run to Aurelia. Managing to stand, she watched Drest stalk over to her. Coran, meanwhile, grabbed the satchel and scurried over to Jastyn.
“Are you okay?”
“I’ll be fine,” she replied, digging through the bag, her eyes still on Aurelia as she rolled quickly up from the ashes, her pant legs now a dark gray. Brushing her hair back, she pulled herself upright to face Drest.
“She’s a persistent one, I’ll give her that,” Coran said.
Jastyn pulled out the pouch containing the king’s gift. Thrilled it hadn’t been lost in the wind, she kissed the plush velvet. Then she tied the gold strings around her belt so that the pouch dangled against her thigh. “Follow my lead,” she said before taking off toward the others. When she was only ten paces away, Drest’s wide body blocking her view of Aurelia, she called, “Over here!”
The moment Drest turned, she let a blue fireball go, aimed right at his chest. His hands, astoundingly fast, went up and blocked the impact. Jastyn and Coran dove in opposite directions to avoid the melon-sized yellow spell-fire he threw only a second later. Rushing to her feet and taking aim again, Jastyn was happy to see orange spell-fire from Coran join her blue one before they crashed in front of Drest. His arms went up to shield himself. As he was about to release another shot, his body flew forward, sparks from a red spell-fire framing his shoulders from behind.
When he hit his knees, Aurelia was already reloading another red flame in her hand. Grinning, Jastyn conjured her blue one, and Coran followed suit with an orange orb. Simultaneously, the three of them aimed and fired.
The lights exploded over Drest, who enclosed himself in a yellow shield.
Adrenaline running through her, Jastyn sprinted for Drest. She recalled the image of Aurelia when they first found her: a ragged escapee, bruised and raw, unable to talk about what had happened. Jastyn’s jaw clenched. She wanted to make Drest suffer. She wanted to drive her knife into his chest until he couldn’t breathe. She wanted to see the life leave his eyes so that he could never lay another finger on Aurelia ever again.
When she was steps away, Aurelia cried out. “Wait!”
A nearly invisible force vibrated from Drest’s hands. Jastyn tried to stop her momentum, but his arms pushed forward, and a power like a roaring ocean wave kicked her feet out from under her. She flew skyward, for a moment lost in the night air among the stars. With a sickening smack, the hard ground brok
e her fall. Her head slammed against the earth, dazzling lights filling the blackness of her vision. A throbbing pounded like drums in her mind.
“This is what was always going to happen.” Drest’s voice was distant and warped, as if she was hearing him from beneath a riverbed. “You did this to her, Aurelia. All you have to do is come with me now, and all of this will stop.”
“Why are you doing this?” Jastyn could hear the façade of bravery in Aurelia’s words. She smiled at the stubbornness but doing so shot searing pain through her face. Her body aching, she sat up, one hand rubbing the back of her head.
“Once you are gone, there will be no one left between Venostes and its new king.”
Jastyn’s head still spun, but the pounding relented in her ears. The sounds of the Wood returned as Drest carried on.
“I told you, Aurelia. The Diarmaids are finished. Their time has ended. It’s time to return this realm to its purest form. You can fall in line behind me, or you can cease to exist. Don’t make this worse than you already have.”
Aurelia was trembling. Jastyn pushed herself up, crouching so that one arm leaned down over her knee propped in front of her. She steadied her breathing, willing Aurelia to meet her gaze. When she did, Jastyn gave her a smile, hoping Aurelia couldn’t see the scrambling of her mind while she tried to think of what to do next. They had Drest outnumbered, but his magic contained the power of ten humans. She wasn’t sure how long they would be able to hold him off. She felt the pouch containing the king’s gift on her leg. She just needed to get close enough…
In the distance, a faint, high noise shifted her gaze from Aurelia to the treetops. She peered into the tree line, nothing more than a series of round shadows in the night’s darkness. The sound vibrated through the air, quick and tight. It reminded Jastyn of a harpsichord player from the market tightening her strings before playing.
Dread hit her like a fist. A rustling of leaves confirmed her suspicion. Somebody was in the trees, hidden in the thicket of branches. They were armed, and she knew they weren’t aiming at her.